January 25, 2011 by Darlene

Tentative Winter-Spring Racing Schedule

It’s not written in stone but I need a plan OR I won’t get out of bed to run:

Jan 16 – Naples Half Marathon – Naples, Fla.

Feb 5 – Polar Cap 4 mi Run – Lake George, NY

Mar 12 – Runnin of the Green 4 mi Run – Green Island, NY
Mar 26 – Firefighters Run 4 Life 5K – Schenectady, NY

Apr 10 – Delmar Dash 5 mi – Delmar, NY
Apr 23 – Lake George Half Marathon

May 1 – Literacy 5k – Troy, NY
May 8 – Mother’s Day 3.5 mi Race – Delmar, NY
May 22 – SPAC 5k Rock & Run – Saratoga, NY

Jun 4 – Freihofer’s Run for Women (5K) – Albany, NY
Jun 11 – OK 5K – Kinderhook, NY
Jun 25 – Valley Cats Home Run 5K – Troy, NY

You can see I’ve added some new races.

Once it gets warm and the days get longer…I think it will be warm by July, I may change my long runs to during the week. That way, if I want to do another Half Marathon, it’s won’t interfere with 5k Sat races or weekend boating plans.

There are 3 HM possibilities:

Aug 6 – Camp Chingachgook Challenge Half – Lake George, NY
Sept 18 – Melanie Palio Half – Saratoga, NY
Oct 9 – Marine Corps Half – Colonie, NY

Happy Running!

January 21, 2011 by Darlene

Naples Half Marathon Post-Race Report

The next day I had to pinch myself because I was not sore. Did I really run a Half Marathon? I found my medal and smiled!!!

my bling

We decided that we would go for a long walk while the weather was good. (They had predicted showers for the afternoon).

First we headed down 9th St No (or Rte 41) to the Porsche/Bentley/Mazerati car dealer. My hubby LOVES cars!!

Then we turned down a street that went toward the Gulf and walked through the neighborhoods.

It started to cloud up so I decided that it would be a good idea to take a trolley tour so my hubby could see ALL parts of Naples and learn about the history of the town (and stay dry in case it started to rain.)

We bought lunch in Tin City while we were waiting. I even found a bar that sold my favorite drink, a CHELADA!!! (it’s Bud light & clamato juice – sounds gross but I love it!)

We had a really nice time and when we got back to the hotel, it started to rain. So we sat on the balcony and chatted with our neighbors (from Ohio.)

Tonite I made reservations to go out to celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary. (It actually was yesterday but I was afraid I would be dead after the race!!)

We went to my favorite spot on the Gulf, the Turtle Club, at Vanderbuilt beach). It was still raining and overcast when we got there so it wasn’t crowded and they gave us a table looking out onto the beach.

Then suddenly, it cleared up and the sunset was awesome!!!

After the sun had set, we enjoyed our dinner.

a turtletini - yum!

anniversary key lime pie

After dinner, we walked around Fifth Avenue and even, had ice cream.

When I got up the next day, I though about running but opted to be cautious and REST!!

We decided to go to the Naples Dock, walk around the Bayfront area and eat in Tin City and then take a boat ride on the Naples Princess.

Bayfront area

After the boat ride, we headed to the beach to soak up the sun on our last day.

On the way to the airport, we drove through some more sections of the city for one last look.

Pelican Bay

Fifth Ave

When we got to the airport, I found out that our flight from Charlotte to Albany was cancelled due to an ice storm. We ended up getting a beautiful suite at the Hilton (distressed rate of $89) for the night and then had a huge breakfast at the hotel.

We arrived home that night to snow and frigid temps!!!!

But all is good. I AM A HALF MARATHONER!!!

Happy Running!

January 21, 2011 by Darlene

Naples Half Marathon Race Report

I jumped up at 5 am. I microwaved the oatmeal that I bought the nite before & had a frappuccino. Then I took a long hot shower and got dressed.

The start of the half marathon was only a few blocks away so around 6 am I walked over to Fifth Avenue. It was still dark outside but around 50 degrees so I wore a jacket that I planned to ditch before the race. My hubby stayed in bed but planned to meet me at the finish line.

the starting line at around 6:30 am

I picked up my timing chip and still had a lot of time to kill. I hung out in Starbucks for a while, walked around the block, talked to lots of racers and waiting anxiously (or nervously.)

waiting outside Starbucks

About 6:45 am, music started playing and racers started lining up. The chip only records the finish time but I felt funny being at the front for my first half marathon so I chose a middle spot.

waiting to begin the race

I felt so emotional that I almost cried during the National anthem. I couldn’t believe that I was actually running a HALF MARATHON!!

The horn sounded and off we went. I pressed start on my Garmin when I crossed the starting line. I decided not to bring my iPod and to fully enjoy the race and the beautiful scenery. I also decided to bring my camera & my cellphone. I stuffed one in each side pocket of my running skirt as well as 3 packets of Gu. (Looking at the photos, I may reconsider next time or are my hips really that wide?!)

The race is said to be a very flat out-and-back course through the area known as the “Olde Naples” section of town. It takes you through the city streets, residential neighborhoods and waterfront districts.

and we’re off!

From the starting line on Fifth Avenue, we began heading first west and then southward along Gordon Drive, which we followed for the next three and a half miles all the way down to the turnaround point at the lands’ end spot at the end of the road. There, we turned around and headed back along the course we just ran until we hit Kings Town Drive, where we turned and headed into the Champrey Bay and Galleons Cove neighborhoods.

It was breath-taking. On one side you could view the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the other, Naples bays. You wouldn’t believe the multi-million dollar homes we passed by. I was in awe.

I was tempted to stop and take photos (& I did a few times) but then again it was a race and I was supposed to be running!

running in Port Royal neighborhood

Because of the race’s multiple turnaround points, at the end of Gordon Drive and inside the neighborhoods, you got a chance to view the elite runners multiple times and to see any runners who are running behind you.

I couldn’t believe how fast the elites were running and I was relieved to see that there were runners slower than me!!

Interesting sites: a guy (fast guy) who ran the whole race holding up a pizza box and 2 women dressed as zombies (white makeup, blood, torn clothes).

The runners were very friendly. Many of them started talking to you as you ran along side of them. I chatted with a couple from Pa, a young girl who runs hs track (who called me ma’am!) and another women who was complaining about her knees.

One of the race’s really interesting and unique traditions takes place along the stretch on Galleon Drive, where a clergyman at Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church blesses the runners passing by (all runners pass by the church twice during the race) with holy water.

As I felt the water, I yelled: “Thanks! I needed that!”

After the stretch of the race along Galleon Drive and the turnaround, we then head back out of the neighborhood and onto Gordon Drive once again for the reverse route back toward Cambier Park and the finish line festivities.

The race had water/Gatorade stops every 2 miles. My plan was to run the whole thing but walk at the water stops. That’s what I did!! I stuck to water since I’ve never drunk Gatorade. I also planned to have a Gu packet every 4 miles (every other water stop).

Luckily I didn’t need a porta potty – I only saw 2 and there were lines.

I frequently glanced at my Garmin. This was the first race that I used it. It really helped. Whenever I was going under 11 min/mi, I slowed down. I was paranoid about not finishing under 2:45 and hitting the wall.

It never happened. The wall never came because I was running slow and really enjoying the experience.

I called my hubby at mile 10. He was at the finish line. I told him I felt great would be there in about 30 minutes or so.

My legs felt great. My foot didn’t hurt where it usually did (Thank you Asics!!). Yes, the bottoms of my feet were screaming “Enough already!” but I ignored them.

Approaching the finish line, I saw some photographers. I gave them the thumbs up sign and ran as fast as I could through the finish line (I couldn’t believe that I was not tired!!)

The clock read 2:28:37 but when I pressed stop on my Garmin, it read: 2:26:49. Which do I use for my PR??

I quickly found my hubby and grabbed some water, a cookie, banana & a bagel but really was not hungry.

He parked close by (In case I couldn’t walk), I retrieved my jacket and we headed back to the hotel.

The hotel pool was not heated and I used it as an ice bath to soak my feet before we headed to beach.

All in all, I was really happy with my race!!! I’m pretty competitive so of course, I wish I had more confidence in myself & wasn’t so cautious so I could have had a better time!!

It was my first half marathon. I never thought I could do it! I accomplished all 3 of my goals!!! YAY!!!!!!!

I finished under 2:45 and got a medal
I had run more than walked
I enjoyed the race!!!!

Now I want to do another!!

I really enjoyed running a half marathon because there was no pressure to run fast. So much different from running a 5k and obsessing about PRs. Who knew??

Happy Running!

January 21, 2011 by Darlene

Naples Half Marathon Pre-Race Report

After spending 4 hours in the Philadelphia airport, I finally arrived in Fort Myers, Florida Friday at 11pm. My hubby was patiently (not really) waiting and we drove to the hotel in Naples.

I booked this motel because it was within walking distance to the race and cheap ($79/night!). I called them and told them I would be arriving late & they said they would leave the room open!?

Anyway, we found the hotel. It was quaint (polite term) with few of the comforts of home (but how much time would we spend in the room, anyway?)

After a restless night, I got up and noticed that there was a Starbucks across the street. Hooray and off I went for a vanilla latte and oatmeal.

When I got back, my hubby had made friends with the owner (and her 4 feral cats) and got us a new larger room with a balcony, overlooking the pool. (The owner thought it was just me, a runner renting the room & gave our room to someone else who hadn’t arrived yet.)

After we moved our stuff, we headed out to Naples on the Run, the store that was handing out the race packets. So exciting!!

Next, we drove to World Tennis Center so I could show my hubby where I rent with my tennis buds every year, and introduce him around (esp to Billy Bob, our tennis instructor & Annie, our landlord.)

Then we spent the rest of the day at Lowdermilk Beach. It was warm and sunny. I was in heaven. We even saw 4 dolphins swimming by.

For dinner, we went to the race-sponsored free pasta party & I carb loaded on zita & rolls.

After dinner, I continued the Naples tour. We went to Naples pier. Unfortunately, the clouds came out for sunset. Then on to the Naples Dock & Tin City and down Fifth Avenue.

I was in bed by 9pm and set my alarm for 5 am. Not sure if I would get any sleep?

Happy Running! Stay tuned for the Race Report!

January 18, 2011 by Darlene

Half Marathon Update

I did it!!!!!!!!!!!

My flight home got cancelled so I’m still in Florida and at a hotel near the airport with Internet!

The race was awesome! I had so much fun! It was much easier than I thought! I ran the whole thing (except the water stops).

According to my Garmin – My time was 2:26 but the official listed time was 2:28!!!

I finished 682 overall among women (41 in my age group) and 1488 overall (among almost 2000 racers).

I’ll post a detailed race report when I get home!

Can’t wait to do another HALF!

January 15, 2011 by Darlene

I’m in Florida!

I scheduled this post so I hope I am really in Florida…

I’m not sure if I am more excited about leaving frigid, snowy Albany, NY

Albany Weather Forecast

and going to warm, sunny Naples, Florida

Naples Weather Forecast

or running a Half Marathon!

Happy Running!

January 14, 2011 by Darlene

Last Post Before the Big Day

Thanks Tall Mom for the reminder!

I think I can!

As Lance Armstrong says: “Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.”

But I may have a problem…I think I am a SHOE-AHOLIC! At least a running shoe-aholic.

After my running shoe experience on the treadmill Tuesday and the fact that my foot felt fine in my tennis shoes led me to believe that new shoes would help so off to Dick’s I went…now I have a new pair of ASICS gels!! (in addition to my new Mizunos). They have a bigger toe box so we’ll see.

Against all the bloggers’ advice, I went to the gym yesterday to test my new shoes on the treadmill. I know I should have rested my feet but the suspense was killing me and I needed to break in my new shoes!! I planned to just walk on the treadmill. So instead of a 3 miles run, I walked 1/2 mi and then ran for 1 1/2 miles. I wouldn’t say pain-free but much BETTER!!

Now onto important things:

What to wear for my first Half Marathon??

I’m leaning toward the running skirt on the left. I’ve worn it before and the skirt has side pockets. I have a throw away black jacket & pants for the morning when it is dark & cool.

My Goals?

Too many unknowns for lofty goals. I’ve never run this far EVER. How will my foot feel???? I’ve been training in the cold weather and Naples will be warm & humid.

So my goals for my first half marathon are:

to finish (hopefully under 2:45)
to run more than walk
to ENJOY the experience

I’m leaving work early today to fly to Fort Myers. My husband who has been on the East coast of Florida all week will meet me there and we will drive to Naples.

Tomorrow I will pick up my racing packet and show my hubby my favorite places in Naples. There is a pasta party for the racers in the evening.

Can’t wait!

Happy Running!

January 12, 2011 by Darlene

Wednesday Winnings and Woes

The Good News: I won another giveaway!!! Two pairs of socks from AJH. I love socks!!!

My husband arrived in Florida on Monday where it is sunny and almost 80. Here in the NE, we are having a BIG snowstorm. Luckily my neighbors have promised to plow out my driveway. We may have a foot by the end of the day!!!

I played tennis last nite – 1 1/2 hours and no foot pain!!! (Can I run in tennis sneakers!?)

The Bad News: I ran my tapering 3 miles on the treadmill yesterday morning with my loose, barely tied new sneakers & my right foot STILL hurts. It stops hurting when I stop running so……….

Do I skip my last 3 mile run and rest my foot till Sunday?? Or do I follow my training plan (3 miles tomorrow) and grin and bear it??

Happy Running! 4 Days till….

January 11, 2011 by Darlene

My “Old” Feet

Yup, 5 days till my Half Marathon and my feet still hurt.

I haven’t talked about it because it’s too depressing. I try to ignore it in hopes it will go away.

The other day after the Chi Running workshop, when I complained that my feet hurt on the inside, the instructor asked me, “Do you have bunions?”

I said “Maybe, take a look.” and then she said “Yup, looks like you’ve got bunions forming.”

Oh no, I thought. I’m OLD. Only old people have bunions!!

She told me to stand and then she said that to compensate for the bunions that I refuse to have, my stance can throw off my gait and lead to hip problems, knee problems, back problems. I have them all.

According to the Internet, bunions are “painful swellings that usually develop on the inner side of the foot near the base of the first toe (hallux).” Often genetic (thanks, Mom!); usually found in women; thought also to be caused by high heels (Yes, I love high heels), or flat feet (but I have high arches).

So, I have these disgusting bumps and they rub against my shoe. That’s why my feet hurt!!

Solutions I have tried:

wearing flat shoes during the day (well, I’ve only done that recently- I think the damage is done)
wearing toe spacers
wearing bandaids on my “bunions”
ice after running
ibuprofen
new running shoes (my arches feel much better with these but not my “bunions”)
tying my shoes loosely and unlacing the top rows also as shown below:

In doing some “Bunion” research, I found out that Paula Radcliffe suffered from bunions. Hers were so painful that she had surgery and then won a Half Marathon 6 months later (after 9 weeks off for recovery, ouch!)